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Adverse Childhood Experiences among Men with Schizophrenia

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Abstract

Individuals who suffered traumatic events or adverse experiences during their childhood have an increased risk of developing during adulthood physical problems, aggressive behavior, and psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia. Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia have higher rates of traumatic experiences during childhood than the general population, and those who suffered multiple traumatic events have an increased risk of disease relapse. The current study aims to determine the prevalence of different types of adverse experiences during childhood among a male patient sample with schizophrenia. An Observational descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Jose T. Borda Hospital, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Participants included 51 male patients between the ages of 18 and 63 years with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, applying a socio-demographic questionnaire, SCID I and II scales to assess psychiatric diagnosis, and the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Questionnaire to evaluate the presence of adverse childhood experiences. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 22 software. We observed that 94% of participants had experienced at least one adverse childhood experience. Most (63%) suffered from 4 or more disruptive child events. A high prevalence of family history of mental illness was found, also emotional abuse and neglect. Most traumatic events occurred within the family group. It was found a moderately significant relationship between patients who suffered adverse events and the presence of auditory hallucinations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. José T. Borda Hospital, Dr. Ramón Carrillo 375, C1275AHG, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Miguel Vallejos, Oscar M. Cesoni & Romina Farinola

  2. Belgrano University, Zabala 1837, C1426DQG, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Matías S. Bertone

  3. Braulio A. Moyano Hospital, Brandsen 2570, C1287ABJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Cintia R. Prokopez

Authors
  1. Miguel Vallejos
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  2. Oscar M. Cesoni
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  3. Romina Farinola
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  4. Matías S. Bertone
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  5. Cintia R. Prokopez
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Correspondence to Cintia R. Prokopez.

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This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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The Authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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No author or immediate family member has financial relationships with commercial entities that might appear to represent a potential for conflicts of interest.

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Vallejos, M., Cesoni, O.M., Farinola, R. et al. Adverse Childhood Experiences among Men with Schizophrenia. Psychiatr Q 88, 665–673 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-016-9487-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11126-016-9487-2

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